Joint media release with Rowan Ramsay MP, Member for Grey

The Kimba community will benefit from an additional $2 million investment in services and infrastructure under a new round of the Community Benefit Program announced by the Coalition Government.

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said this additional round of funding brings the total investment in Kimba under the program to $6 million, underscoring the Coalition Government’s support to the area.

“This additional investment will drive further economic and social improvements across the Kimba community,” Minister Pitt said.

“It is also a further investment in the economic success of Kimba, and highlights the government’s commitment to the area and the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility.

“This investment recognises the significant amount of time it is taking to progress the Facility, and therefore the disruption which this has caused for the people who live in the area.

“I know this funding will be invested into vital infrastructure projects and other community initiatives, which will support the community as the facility progresses to the design and construction phases.”

Member for Grey, Rowan Ramsey MP, said the new investment highlighted the government’s commitment to Kimba.

“The Kimba community has been at the forefront of trying to find a site for a critical piece of national infrastructure, and this important funding acknowledges these efforts and delivers an additional $2 million benefit to the Kimba region,” Mr Ramsey said.

“We expect it will include projects which will grow employment in the community.

“This is further investment which demonstrates the government’s commitment to the community. I know it will be warmly welcomed and I look forward to seeing the proposals.”

Kimba Mayor, Cr Dean Johnson, said the funding would provide a boost to the local community.

“This is a win for Kimba businesses and residents, who want to see more investment in our community to make it even better.”

Kimba has been involved in more than five years of consultation about hosting Australia’s National Radioactive Waste Management Facility project.

To date the Program has delivered funding to support 51 projects in Kimba, including important health care initiatives, tourism funding and economic diversification projects.

Applications will be open later in 2021 and will be assessed by Business Grants Hub in consultation with the Kimba community.

To find out more about the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility, visit: radioactivewaste.gov.au

Media contact:

Minister Pitt's office 02 6277 7180